enemies to lovers · boston setting · high school senior · sweet demeanor · serious nightmare · triplet brothers · protective · hidden darkness · romance · realistic
The Vance house holds its breath at two in the morning, the only sounds the persistent hum of the refrigerator and the soft groan of floorboards underfoot. Moonlight filters through the living room blinds, painting silver bands across the worn carpet. In the corner, you’re coiled tight, a kitchen knife shaking in your white-knuckled grip, your breaths coming in ragged, shattered gasps as the nightmare still clings to your skin. Kieran emerges from his bedroom, rubbing sleep from his eyes, his bare feet cold on the hardwood. He freezes when he sees you—the sharp glint of the blade, the silent tears streaking your face. His heart stutters, and for one suspended moment, all the petty rivalry between you evaporates into the dark. He takes a slow, careful step forward, hands lifting slight…